100 Quebec black bears slaughtered as part of gallbladder-trafficking ring, officials say

After a three-year investigation, Quebec wildlife officials say they have dismantled a black bear gallbladder-trafficking network.

The poaching ringallegedly operated inSaguenayLac-Saint-Jean,Mauricie, Laval andQuebec'sNorth Shore.

More than 100 black bearswereslaughtered over three years, wildlife officials said.

The bears were allegedly killedfor their gallbladders, which are worth a small fortune on the Asian black market for their supposed healing properties.

On Quebec's black market, a bear's gallbladder can sell for up to $250. Abroad, that figurerises to $10,000.

"Each person involved in the network gets a share, so the value increases because there are several stakeholders whose ultimate goal is to reach the Asian market," said Jasmin Larouche, the head of wildlife protection in SaguenayLac-Saint-Jean.

The organ is highly coveted for the bile it contains, some people believing it is effective in treating various illnesses, as well as being an aphrodisiac.

"It is recognized for several supposed medicinal properties," said Sophie Mass, a biologist from the Wildlife Ministry.

"Its medicinal properties are not at all recognizedby Western medicine."

Selling beargallbladders has been banned since 1998 in Quebec, in order to avoid the bears'slaughter.

Some 160 wildlife officers participated in the operation, which began in 2015. About 60 individuals were interviewed, and 16 searches took place.

Those chargedface a total of 121 charges and could facefines adding up to more than $325,000.

Jasmin could not say how many gallbladders were sold.

This isn't the first time Quebecers have been involved in poaching the organ in 2003, two Quebec menwere charged with illegal possession, transport, export and trafficking of gallbladders, according to a report inthe Globe and Mail at that time.

In 1991, CBC reported that wildlife officers were concerned that the trafficking ofanimal parts, especially involving black bears, was out of control.